The Watsons: Beginnings - Chapter 6
- Erin H
- Aug 16
- 8 min read
Proposals of Marriage
Cassandra was once again in her brother Henry’s carriage, travelling with him. However, this time, they would only break their journey at Briddhalh and would be continuing on to Kyrkelidun after a few days’ rest.
When she had finally opened up to her sister Emma, she still had not told her of everything she had experienced, but, like with Elizabeth, she had told her enough to understand why Cassandra had made the decision she had. However, she had also explained all of her conflicting feelings. Emma had insisted that Cassandra share at least her general fears and anticipations with Mr Hodgson, since, “as a clergyman, he dealt with people from varying walks of life, and who’d been through varying experiences,” and could likely give better advice than Emma herself.
So, the three of them had spent the next few days discussing. Though they did not force any decisions on Cassandra, the Hodgsons had tried to help her work through some of her latent fears, as well as her feelings towards Mr Watson. After nearly a sennight, she had finally accepted the truth, that she did not wish to live her life without Robert. And, with that decision, she had written to her brother Henry, requesting him to pick her up at his earliest convenience in York.
Mr and Mrs Hodgson had taken her to the inn and stayed with her until Henry came to collect her. They had explained the gist of what happened, and, while he had been utterly flabbergasted at Cassandra’s refusal of Mr Watson, once he had learned about her fears and their cause, he had nearly flown into a rage in the middle of the inn. Luckily, Mr Hodgson had been prepared to calm him and reminded him that the perpetrator had already received retribution and his judgment from the good Lord.
Though this had not assuaged Henry’s anger, it had allowed him to calm himself to the extent where he had been able to continue the conversation. He had quickly agreed with Cassandra’s plan of travelling to Kyrkelidun. However, he had been curious what she planned to do once she got there.
He had pointed out to her, “My dear Cassandra, while Mr Watson is a very reasonable and intelligent young man, it’s hard to believe that after such a refusal, even as kind as you were in your wording, that he would wish to see you again, at least so soon. Perhaps we should give him some time.”
Cassandra had admitted that she considered the same. “However, it is exactly because I hurt him that I wish to remedy the situation as soon as possible. I do not wish to leave him alone to stew on the rejection until it can ruin his opinion of me.”
At this, Henry had laughed, shocking them all. “Oh, my dear Cassandra, I don’t think there’s anything that could change Mr Watson’s opinion of you. After all, he is the only man I know who could stand up to your strong, opinionated mind—and your honesty in expressing it.”
As they sat in the carriage going down the bumpy lane, she enjoyed the views of the Moors as much as she had on their previous visit. However, this time there was some feeling of fear and anticipation. She was still worried that a man once rejected would not be willing to renew those sentiments, and it was with that heaviness upon her that she alighted from the carriage with the aid of her brother.
When Mrs Henry Willoughby had heard of her sister-in-law’s plight two days earlier, she had lamented with her, but also insisted on coming along. For all of her family was sure that Robert could not possibly refuse her and would be sure to renew his sentiments.
When they arrived, only Mr William Turner and his son, Mr Charles Turner, were there to greet them at the door. They informed them that, due to the nature of Henry’s note to Charles, the latter had decided not to inform Robert of their arrival. This created even more fear in Cassandra as she could not be sure how he would react upon seeing her. However, Charles noticed the look on her face and assured her, “Oh, do not worry. He’s been moping about for days ever since your rejection of him.”
At her shock, he laughed outright. “Oh, yes, I’ve heard about it, but do not worry. I warned him before he began to court you that you might not be willing to enter into another engagement. However, he would try his luck, and it seems it was not entirely a wasted effort.” He then winked at her, making her blush. However, it did not stop the trembling of her hands as they were led into the house to clean up and rest before they must prepare for dinner, when she would be able to see Robert again—though hopefully not for the last time.
After their rest and preparations for dinner were complete, they went downstairs to join the family in the parlour as they awaited Mr Watson’s arrival. When he came, he showed a strong look of surprise; his greeting to her was warm but cautious. After his polite inquiries as to her health and recent doings, he moved over to her brother and Mr Charles Turner, leaving her on her own.
When they moved into dinner, it was her brother who offered his arm, as their host had escorted his wife to the dining room. Though she looked to Robert, he had his back to her and was moving into the dining room with Mr Charles, causing her heart to sink.
Over dinner, conversation was light and sociable, yet she never had the chance to speak privately with Robert. The same occurred after dinner, and she was starting to lose hope.
However, the next morning she woke with new determination. She asked Mr Charles if he could arrange a private meeting between her and Robert. He grinned and bowed. “Your wish is my command, my lady,” which made her laugh, though she was still nervous.
It was later that afternoon when she, along with Mr and Mrs Henry Willoughby, were taken by Mr Charles to see the parsonage where Robert lived. Robert had clearly been given some warning of their arrival and was at the door to greet them. He seemed abashed to be showing them around his “small abode,” as he called it, though the house itself was quite lovely.
In the front, there were neatly trimmed bushes and a row of colourful flowers. To the side, a large vegetable patch was kept in perfect order. Behind the house, a wooded area could be seen; they were informed that part of it was on the parsonage’s property and helped him save money on coal, as he could cut timber when needed.
Eventually, Robert left the parlour to speak with his housekeeper. During his absence, the rest of the party suddenly took a great interest in seeing the vegetable garden again. Cassandra smirked, especially after receiving winks from both gentlemen as they slipped quietly away.
When Robert returned, there was a flicker of apprehension in his eyes before he quickly offered to go and find the others. She stopped him at once. “No, that will not be necessary. In fact, if you are willing—which I hope you are—I would like a moment to speak with you alone.”
“I have some apologies to make to you,” she said. He nodded slowly and stepped into the room, taking a seat farther from her than she would have liked. She understood his caution—and the impropriety of being alone—but as a widow of experience, she did not think such strict adherence to social etiquette need stand between them.
She apologised for her earlier refusal, and, not knowing how long they might have together, told him that if all went well, God willing, she would one day explain everything that had led to it. For now, she could only say that “her first marriage had left her with mental and emotional scars, as well as physical ones.” She paused, watching a succession of emotions cross his face—confusion, horror, anger—and she feared he might react as her brother Henry had. Before that moment could come, she continued quickly, “It was a long time ago, and, while I may never fully recover, I want to try.”
He stared at her for a long moment, and she thought she saw light returning to his eyes. “I rejected you because I feared ending up in the power of another man—a man like my late husband. That was wrong of me. It was cruel to compare you with him, even for a moment, for you are nothing like him. In truth, you are nearly his opposite, which is what drew me to you in the first place—your intelligence, your kindness, your open mind, your willingness not only to allow me opinions of my own but to listen to them, encourage them, and even, on occasion, agree with them.” She smirked, and slowly he returned her smile.
He opened his mouth to speak, but she lifted her hand. “No. I rejected you once, and I would never expect any man of dignity to ask a second time.” At his puzzled look, she smiled fully, rose, crossed the room, and, kneeling before him, took his hands in hers. His expression of shock nearly made her laugh, but she kept her composure. Looking directly into his eyes, she said, “Mr Watson—nay, Robert—will you do me the great honour of becoming my husband? Will you marry me?”
Before she could say more, Robert was kneeling beside her, cupping her face and drawing her into a deep, passionate kiss. Her mind went utterly blank; she realised she had never known what it was to kiss someone who truly respected, valued, and loved her—and whom she loved in return. They might have stayed thus much longer had not a knock sounded at the door.
They scrambled to their feet, smoothing out creases in their clothing, just as Henry and Charles entered. The two men cast them knowing glances, and Henry said, “Well, my dear Watson, I do hope you have some news for me—otherwise I shall be very sad to have to call you out.” Charles burst into laughter, and, receiving an irritated look from Henry, beat a hasty retreat back into the hall.
Robert and Cassandra, both beaming, informed Henry and Charles of their engagement and their wish to marry as soon as possible. Their families’ happiness was only second to their own. Henry and Charles, delighted to see two such deserving people united, were equally pleased to think their households would at last be closely connected. Mrs Willoughby, who had remained in the hall in order to allow the men their fun, now joined them to add her congratulations as well.
Robert continued the tour of his home with new enthusiasm, knowing that the woman he loved would soon be mistress of all he had.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction unless otherwise indicated. Some names, characters, businesses, places, and events are used in a fictitious manner or inspired by real historical figures. The author does not speak for or represent any real individuals, companies, corporations, or brands mentioned in this book.
Copyright © 2025 Eireanne Michaels (Erin Michelle Harris)
All rights reserved. No part of this book, except for material derived from the original fragment and manuscript, may be reproduced or used in any manner without prior written permission from the copyright owner, except for brief quotations in a review.
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